With the spring semester now in full swing, you’re probably looking to break free from your class responsibilities every now and then! Lucky for you, there are many spring events coming up for you to enjoy with your friends. Get a sneak peek at what the next couple of months holds here!

MAP Events

Miami Activities and Programming, or MAP, is a student-run organization focused on providing unique and memorable events to enhance the Miami experience. There is always something being hosted, but here are some of their big plans coming soon…

• Jaboukie Young White, a standup comedian, actor, and writer, is hosting a show in Armstrong’s Wilks Theater on Friday, April 1. This event is free, but you’ll need a ticket to get in, so be on the lookout for tickets posted on MAP’s Instagram (@miami_map) as the date approaches. 

• The annual Springfest will be hosted in Academic Quad on Saturday, April 2 (rain date scheduled for April 9). In previous years, there have been craft activities, rides, airbrushed hats, custom street signs, yard games, and of course free food and t-shirts! This is one of the biggest events MAP puts on in the spring semester and you won’t want to miss out. 

• Beyond the Bricks is a series that takes you off-campus to various activities, games, and events in the surrounding cities. Gather a group of friends and join in a trip to a Cincinnati Reds Game on Friday, April 22!

• MAP will present their big “Spring Show” at Millett Hall on Monday, May 2! Not much information has been announced yet, but rumor has it that there will be some pretty special guests attending that you won’t want to miss!

“Dance Marathon”

Miami University Dance Marathon (MUDM) is bringing back their annual spring event, “Dance Marathon” to campus in person for the first time since 2020! Over the past 30 years, this nationwide philanthropy movement has grown exponentially, raising millions of dollars annually for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH). Miami’s chapter raises awareness and funds for life-saving treatments and cutting-edge care offered by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. This year’s Dance Marathon will be held Saturday, March 12 in Armstrong Student Center, Room 3056. There will be various games, fundraising opportunities, performances, as well as visits from miracle families and children from Cincy Children’s. Find more information on their Instagram @miamiudm!

Lecture Series

The Miami University Lecture Series final speaker of Spring 2022 will be held at Hall Auditorium (you can also join online if you prefer) on Monday, April 4. Sean Astin, an American actor, voice actor, screenwriter, director, producer, and author presents his lecture “I Can Carry You: Destigmatizing Mental Health.” Astin is well known for roles such as Mikey Walsh in The Goonies, Daniel “Rudy” Ruettinger in Rudy, Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and Bob Newby in Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things 2. However, his mission to raise awareness of mental health goes beyond his career. 

*Free general admission tickets will be available the Wednesday before the lecture through the Box Office for the in-person event. There will be a live stream for those who cannot/choose not to attend in person.

Myaamiaki Conference

The 9th biennial Myaamiaki Conference will be held Saturday, April 9 at Armstrong Student Center. The conference is an opportunity to learn about a wide range of research projects and educational initiatives through the Myaamia Center. The conference is free; register online at the Myaamia Center website. 

Greek Spring Service 

Student Activities and the Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is hosting their annual Greek Spring Service Saturday, April 23. Save the date!

ShareFest Oxford 

During move-out week, you can donate furniture, clothing, kitchenware, and other items to ShareFest Oxford. Collected items are given to area social service agencies such as the Butler County Educational Service Center Success program, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati, Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries, Oxford Community Choice Pantry, and others. Live on campus? There will be designated areas in each residence hall for donation drop-offs. 

Stay Up to Date

More events are constantly popping up throughout the semester. As always, you can follow @MiamiOH_StudentLife on Instagram for the latest happenings! We post every Monday and Friday with an overview of events. 

Kenzie Abodeely | Class of 2024